I'm sitting here this Thanksgiving Eve, my cooking finished for the day. It's quiet in here as my husband is reading on his Kindle and my dog Eli is worn out from all of the food-begging he did today:) I am full. And it's not my stomach, although I had a good supper. I feel full in my heart. When I think of all the gifts I have been given so far in this life, I feel almost unworthy. Like they are too good to be true. They are gifts that I often take for granted, yet they are so precious. Money had nothing to do with these gifts, my Creator gave every one of them to me for free. For that I will forever be thankful.
----I'm thankful that God brought me and a boy from the rough side of the tracks together about 35 years ago and that through lots of ups and downs, we are more in love now than ever. He is a man who loves unconditionally. He is everything to me. I'm thankful that we are growing older together. Thank you God for the gift of my husband.
---I'm thankful that I have a daughter who is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. I'm thankful that she is the kind of Mother to her boys that assures me that they will grow up never doubting her love for them. She will never know how proud I am of her for standing up for what she believes in and for working so hard to try to make a difference in other's lives by being real and honest. For that, a parent could not be more thankful. Thank you God for the gift of my daughter.
---I'm thankful for my son who will never know how much joy he has brought to my life. I've cheered him on through his triumphs and I've cried with him through his struggles and I admire him for the way he has handled both. His unwavering faith in God is a constant encouragement to me. I'm thankful that no matter what he may face in this life, he will ALWAYS know where his hope lies. Thank you God for giving me a son who teaches me what it means to have hope and to trust no matter what. Thank you for the gift of my son.
---I'm thankful for a son-in-law who fits into our family like a glove. The love and support that he has for my daughter and grandboys is mind-boggling to me. I watched him cry when he married and cry when his babies were born. I'm thankful that he has chosen to be real and every day, more and more I see him wanting to reach out to others. Thank you God for the gift of my other son.
---I'm thankful for my grandboys. As cheesy as it sounds, my heart truly feels joy when I am around them or when I think of them. When I am down, the medicine I use to lift me is their hugs and smiles. It works every time. Can't wait to see what life has in store for these two loved boys. Thank you God for the gift of my grandsons.
---I'm thankful for all my family, but especially thankful for a brother who was given to me when I was 11 years old. I can't explain the bond we have had since he was born. We have been apart for most of our adult lives, but when I see him it's like he never left. I have no explanation for this except to say, he is in my life for a reason and I love him. Thank you God for the gift of all my family, and especially for this brother who, no matter what, has my heart forever.
---And finally, I'm thankful for the friends...ALL the friends who are like family to me. For old friends and new friends. Our paths have crossed for a reason and for that I am thankful. I'm thankful that friends who are true can be friends even when life or circumstances don't allow us to see each other a lot, talk to each other a lot, when we may not work together anymore, live in the same town, or go to the same church together anymore...whatever the reason, I'm thankful that once you are my friend...you are always my friend. Thank you God for the gift of the many friends You have allowed me to have.
"Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causes through us thanksgiving to God".
2 Corinthians 9:11
